AS the youngest of seven siblings growing up in the rural community of Petersfield, Westmoreland, Oral Heaven has always been an overachiever. From being the only one among his four brothers and two sisters to attend a traditional high school, to teaching them how to drive, striving to be successful is intrinsic for Heaven, who is now one of Sagicor Life Jamaica’s top financial advisors.

Raised by his mom, a shopkeeper, and his father, a farm worker who was often overseas on work programmes, Heaven understood what it meant to put in hard work in order to achieve success, and he received first-hand experience of this while growing up. Speaking with Heaven, you will hear how passionate he is about his family, and it is that bond that has motivated him to accomplish exceptional career moves.

“My family is my why; they are my purpose. I do what I do for them,” Heaven shared proudly. “My objective is to provide for my family so that my wife and children can live comfortably. This is what wakes me up every day to go to the gym at 4:00 am and to the office by 6:00 am.”

It is this motivation and drive that allowed him to qualify for the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) — one of the highest globally recognised achievements an advisor can receive — within his first three months as an advisor.

“I started as a pre-contractor in October 2020 and when I officially became a full-time advisor in December 2022, I was already an MDRT qualifier. While I knew that I had put the work in, I still didn’t expect it to happen so fast,” he continued.

Heaven’s previous management and sales posts at Sagicor Bank meant he was no stranger to the financial services industry; however, his fast success was a surprise to even him.

“After my stint at Sagicor Bank, I went on to be a director of sales in the hospitality industry; however, when COVID-19 hit, my job became redundant, and it was my personal advisor at the time that encouraged me to start my own financial advisor journey,” shared Heaven.

Heaven credits his growth as an advisor to great coaching — something he was able to receive at the start of his career from Sagicor Life Montego Bay Branch Manager Patrick Sinclair. The Manning’s School alum stands firm in his belief that a great coach who takes a personal interest in one’s success is key.

“Patrick said to me, ‘allow me to partner with you and trust me to lead you’ and that made a huge difference. Now I am at the MDRT conference in Boston and attendees are amazed that I made it to the top of the Million Dollar Round Table with less than 24 months in the industry,” expressed Heaven, who was the Top Male Advisor and Rookie of the Year for Sagicor Life Jamaica in 2021.

Heaven shared that finding time to dedicate to his work and family is big deal for him, and as such, compartmentalising by creating specific time blocks for each is important. Additionally, acts of service is something he is zealous about and as the president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he prides himself in giving back to his community.

“When I tell people my job as president is unpaid, they are surprised, but philanthropy means everything to me. I am all about charity and taking a personal interest in the growth of my community, it is just who I am,” said Heaven.

Amid all this, he still finds time to cook, play dominoes and visit resorts with his family for fun and relaxation. You may wonder, how does he do it all? Heaven will tell you there is no real secret to success.

“Work hard but more importantly, work smart,” he shared. “Start your day early, be flexible, and provide excellent service with added value. Once you do that, you will not need to explain your achievements to anyone; they will speak for themselves.”